Namibia: Sands of Time
Group Tour
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Overview
Namibia. A land full of incredible geological wonders, spectacular landscapes, diverse game and a whole host of unexplored regions is undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s most enthralling destinations and perfect for a Wild Frontiers trip!
Our trip focuses on the diversity of this impressive country that has barely changed for thousands of years. From the rolling red sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the boulder festooned grassy plains of Damaraland, ...
Namibia. A land full of incredible geological wonders, spectacular landscapes, diverse game and a whole host of unexplored regions is undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s most enthralling destinations and perfect for a Wild Frontiers trip!
Our trip focuses on the diversity of this impressive country that has barely changed for thousands of years. From the rolling red sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the boulder festooned grassy plains of Damaraland, we’ll be visiting waterfalls and lands rich in wildlife.
Travelling from the interior to the river bound border of Angola via part of the Atlantic coast this is an incredible adventure that will stay with you forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
An 8 or 15-seat vehicle, depending on group size. Please see Supplementary Information section for more details
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this trip we will use a combination of lodges, hotels, tented accommodation, camping in designated campsites with facilities. Please note that when staying at designated campsites (nights 2, 5, 6), you will be expected to put up and take down your tents, due to the material required for the tents these can be quite heavy, however help will always be available if needed. If you wish to assist with the cooking and washing up it would be very much appreciated. Please refer to the Supplementary Information section for a description and pictures of the tents we may use on this tour.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Book With Confidence
We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN WINDHOEK
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN WINDHOEK
Meeting at our hotel this afternoon there will be a chance to freshen up before heading out on an orientation tour around Windhoek. Tonight we’ll have an early dinner where we can talk about the big trip ahead of us.
DAY 2: WINDHOEK – SESRIEM
DAY 2: WINDHOEK – SESRIEM
After an early breakfast we’ll take a scenic drive south to Sesriem, stopping for lunch en-route. As we progress the landscape changes dramatically from rolling hills to farmland, before reaching the arid, red sands of the Namib Desert. Arriving as the temperature is dropping we’ll have time to freshen up at the campsite before heading to Sesriem Canyon for an afternoon walk. Later we’ll return to camp for our first night dining under the stars.
DAY 3: SESRIEM - SOSSUSVLEI - SWAKOPMUND
DAY 3: SESRIEM - SOSSUSVLEI - SWAKOPMUND
An early (!) start allows us to reach Sossusvlei in time for sunrise over the iconic dune field. After climbing the rolling red sand dunes and visiting Dead Vlei & Dune 45, we’ll have lunch and head north towards the coast and Swakopmund. This evening is free to explore this quirky German-influenced town where there’s a plethora of restaurants to choose from for tonight’s dinner at your own expense.
DAY 4: IN & AROUND SWAKOPMUND
DAY 4: IN & AROUND SWAKOPMUND
Located just 30km south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is the only deep-water port in Namibia. Here we will take a wildlife cruise onto the lagoon to spot some of the creatures that thrive in the cold water. As well as an abundance of bird life we hope to spot whales and dolphins and we’ll pass close to the local seal colony. Be warned - the seals frequently jump up on board the boat so expect some close encounters! After a buffet lunch and the chance to sample the local seafood we’ll head back to dry land and return to Swakopmund. The afternoon/evening will be spent at your leisure, with the chance to visit one of the town’s museums, and dinner tonight will be at your own expense.
DAY 5: SWAKOPMUND – SKELETON COAST – BRANDBERG
DAY 5: SWAKOPMUND – SKELETON COAST – BRANDBERG
After breakfast we leave civilisation behind us...as we head north the landscape becomes bleaker and bleaker as we journey along the infamous ‘Skeleton Coast’ - and looking at this inhospitable coastline it soon becomes obvious how it got its name. In the afternoon we’ll continue north to Brandberg where we’ll walk to the famous rock art located around Brandberg mountain. From here we’ll head to our campsite for the night.
DAY 6: BRANDBERG - PALMWAG (DAMARALAND)
DAY 6: BRANDBERG - PALMWAG (DAMARALAND)
This morning we may, with luck, see desert elephants as we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein. Here we’ll find one of the largest concentrations of Stone Age petroglyphs (rock engravings) anywhere in Africa, depicting various animals and hunting scenes. This area is home to the unique desert adapted rhino, and en route to our camp we hope to spot this impressive animal and other wildlife who have adapted to the arid climate
DAY 7: PALMWAG – OPUWO
DAY 7: PALMWAG – OPUWO
After a short drive in the concession in search of wildlife, we’ll head to Opuwo Country Lodge in the north of Namibia. Please note that today will involve a long drive on some rough roads but you’ll be rewarded with some breath-taking scenery. All being well we’ll arrive at our lodge in time for sundowners and a dinner cooked up by the lodge’s chef.
DAY 8: KAOKALAND - EPUPA FALLS
DAY 8: KAOKALAND - EPUPA FALLS
Our journey north continues as we head in to the Himba tribal lands seeing various Himba settlements en route. We should arrive at Epupa by the middle of the afternoon - the most northerly point on our trip and close to the Angolan border – where we’ll have time to freshen up before getting our first view of the mighty falls.
DAY 9: AT EPUPA FALLS
DAY 9: AT EPUPA FALLS
Today we’ll have some time to visit local Himba settlements. Here we will have a local Himba guide during our visit, and we can enjoy an informal Q&A with our guide over tea, providing not only the opportunity for us to learn about their rich culture and customs but also providing an income for members of the community. Stopping in town we will pick up useful supplies, such as maize meal, tea, sugar, coffee, cooking oil and yeast, before heading into one of the rural Himba villages to offer these gifts up in exchange for a mutually beneficial interaction and introduction to everyday life in this part of the country. After our visit we can visit more of the impressive waterfalls before enjoying some free time to unwind and relax amongst this beautiful setting.
DAY 10: EPUPA – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 10: EPUPA – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today is a transit day as we travel south via Opuwo and onto Etosha National Park. Once in the park, and depending on time, we may take a game drive en route to our lodge to see what wildlife we can find. We should arrive at our lodge in time for sunset.
DAY 11: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 11: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today we enjoy a full day game viewing as we gradually make our way through the west of the National Park. This is an area where self-guided vehicles are not permitted, and as such is quieter, giving a good chance of spotting the more elusive game. Making our way east we’ll spend the night in the centre of the park where there is a permanent waterhole which is floodlit at night. Here we can watch a variety of wildlife as it congregates and interacts. In the early evenings it’s not uncommon to find black rhinoceros, elephant and lion all drinking at the same time!
DAY 12: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 12: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Taking a second full day in Etosha we will explore the eastern side of the park and the Etosha salt pan. Because the region is so arid, the game congregates around the watering holes and we should have a chance of spotting 4 of the big 5, along with some of the 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species which are resident within the park.
DAY 13: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – OKAHANDJA
DAY 13: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – OKAHANDJA
Awaking early we will take the opportunity to have one final game drive within the park. From here we’ll drive south to Okahandja Lodge, just outside of Okahandja, where we will spend our last night in Namibia and enjoy a farewell dinner.
DAY 14: OKAHANDJA - WINDHOEK AIRPORT (TOUR ENDS)
DAY 14: OKAHANDJA - WINDHOEK AIRPORT (TOUR ENDS)
After breakfast we will drive back to Windhoek Airport, where the tour ends.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem
Sesriem Campsite offers the perfect location, in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Reserve, to tour Namibia’s iconic sand dunes. Sesriem’s various campsites are spread apart and shaded by camel thorn trees, with a shared restaurant, bar and filling station. The camp is popular for its proximity to the dunes, allowing for an early morning start to catch them at sunrise or an easy ride back after sunset. There is also a communal pool and access to internet.
A La Mer, Swakopmund
This boutique accommodation sits in the heart of Swakopmund just 20 seconds from the beach and the jetty. The 46 en suite rooms are charming with each category offering a different style from rustic to contemporary. Some of the luxury rooms have private balconies whilst all rooms have under-floor heating. A lot of effort has gone into the rooms and the rest of the hotel is quite simple, without losing its charm. There isn’t a restaurant, but the bar is open for the evenings. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the sun terrace or from the sky deck with panoramic views of the beach.
Brandberg White Lady Campsite, Brandberg
Guests at the rustic lodge can choose to stay in one of four accommodation types: a chalet; a standard room; a more spacious ‘Rustic Tent’; or, for a true nature-based experience, a ‘Camper’s Tent’. The independent stone chalets have a private veranda facing the mountain and are spread out from each other, hidden under shady trees for coolness and privacy. Eleven standard rooms are found side by side and provide a more typical hotel experience, each with an ensuite bathroom and private veranda, but there are no T.V.s at the lodge. The ‘Rustic Tents’ are larger safari-style tents that come with two full-sized beds and a private seating area outside; as well as a front entrance, each tent also opens up to a private outdoor bathroom. Lastly, the most adventurous option is the classic tent, covered by a protective roof. The main lodge building consists of an open, safari-style restaurant, a bar and two outdoor pools.
Opuwo Country Lodge, Kaokoland
En route to the Kunene Region of Namibia on a hilltop overlooking this quirky little town, Opuwo Country Lodge is the last feasible stopping point for visitors looking to reach the extraordinary landscapes on the Kunene River which marks the border between Namibia and Angola to the North. The lodge is comprised of 40 rooms, all of which have their own en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, which provides a welcome respite from the desert heat. In keeping with the isolated location, the rooms are relatively basic, but perfectly comfortable for an overnight stop. They have a small spa and massage room on-site offering a variety of treatments and a lovely swimming pool area which is perfect for relaxing around during the afternoon. The restaurant here is very good and there is an excellent wine selection on offer from their well-stocked cellar. For guests on slightly longer stays there are a variety of excursions available, including visits to the local Himba people and full day trips to the Epupa Falls.
Epupa Camp, Epupa Falls
Set on the banks of the Kunene River, Epupa Camp is the ideal spot to base yourself for a few days exploring Namibia’s far North and the Epupa Falls. The nine very comfortable safari style tents are raised up on stone platforms and boast their own en-suite bathrooms, running water and electricity. The beds are draped with mosquito nets and they all have shaded verandas at the front with lovely views out to the flowing waters of the Kunene River. The spacious dining room and lounge also face the river and there is a small pool which is a lovely spot to escape the heat of the day. There is a very good restaurant here and the decking area is a great spot to sit and watch the sun set with a cool drink. The lodge is run in close conjunction with the local community, so as well as visits to the Epupa Falls visitors can head out to see the local Himba people and learn how they live in such a harsh environment.
Dolomite Camp, Etosha West
Nestled in the dolomite outcrops of the pristine western Etosha National Park, Dolomite Camp offers an intimate experience of one of the most scenic areas of the Park. Access here is via the previously restricted tourism route through Galton Gate in western Etosha. There are 20 chalets built on elevated wooden decks on and around the outer edges of a Dolomite ridge. All rooms are built with thatched roofs, canvas walls and large, wooden-framed retractable doors allowing spectacular panoramic views. Rooms are elegantly furnished with local and regional fittings and equipment, using natural fabrics to create a natural and ethnic ambiance. The main area, with a restaurant, bar, sunset deck and infinity swimming pool overlooking the surrounding plains, offers the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate after a day's game driving in the park.
Halali Camp, Eastern Etosha
The camp occupies a mostly flat area of the national park. Its proximity to thicker vegetation and some of the park’s more popular watering holes make it popular with leopard, rhino and elephant. A short walk from the camp is Halali’s very own floodlit watering hole in addition to boasting the park’s largest pool. The onsite petrol station makes it a popular choice and stopover point for travellers. Accommodation available includes individual chalets which come with private outdoor braai areas or double rooms. Meals are enjoyed at the restaurant and there is also a bar for sundowners.
Okahandja Country Hotel, Okahandja
Located 2km north of Okahandja on the road leading to Etosha and the north, the country hotel comprises 22 ensuite rooms and 2 family rooms. Rooms are modern, including all mod-cons such as air-conditioning, and well finished creating a bright an airy space to lay your head beneath the high, thatched-roof ceilings. The grounds are huge which provide room for a large outdoor pool and spacious buildings to host the restaurant, beer garden, barbecue facilities and reception.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Himba Tribe Village Visit
The less-trodden northern region of Namibia, close to the Angolan border, is home to Himba tribal land and settlements. In an effort to extend the benefits of tourism to all communities of the country, including those in remote areas, we take the group up to this wild and wonderful region to meet members of the Himba. We insist on hiring a local Himba guide during our visit, and clients will enjoy an informal Q&A with our guide over tea, providing not only the opportunity for us to learn about their rich culture and customs but also providing an income for members of the community. Stopping in town we will pick up useful supplies, such as maize meal, tea, sugar, coffee, cooking oil and yeast, before heading into one of the rural Himba villages to offer these gifts up in exchange for a mutually beneficial interaction and introduction to everyday life in this part of the country. At Wild Frontiers we believe that meaningful engagement and payment in kind is far more beneficial than tipping for a touristy tribal tour, and imprints a more positive memory for all.
Supplementary Information
Camping
When staying at campsites (with facilities) we plan on using 2-person dome tents. Please note you will be expected to put up and take down your own tent, please note that due to the material of the tents these can be quite heavy, though help is always available if needed. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are provided but if you want a pillow you will need to bring one with you.
The Vehicle
Depending upon overall group size we will use either a 8-seat or a 15-seat vehicle. These vehicles are designed for the rigours of long distance off-road travel in Namibia, which at times can be bumpy and dusty! The picture above of is of an option of our 15-seat vehicle. Please note that the vehicles and equipment may vary from that shown in the pictures according to availability.Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 0055 | London Heathrow (LHR) 19:05 | Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) 07:05 |
| 4Z 0124 | Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) 10:40 | Windhoek Airport (WDH) 12:50 |
| 4Z 0125 | Windhoek Airport (WDH) 13:35 | Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) 15:35 |
| BA 0056 | Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) 19:20 | London Heathrow (LHR) 05:30 |
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Namibia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Below is just a small sample of what you could do. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Cape Town
Instead of flying home from Windhoek, head down to Cape Town for a few days R&R and fly home from there.
Victoria Falls
Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya “The Smoke That Thunders” from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side.
Botswana
Float in a mokoro on the waterways of the Okavango Delta and/or go elephant spotting in Chobe National Park.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Namibia has a dry climate typical of a semi-desert country. Days in April and May are usually warm to hot (20-30oC) whilst nights are generally cooler (5-12oC). Increasingly dry, with a real freshness in the air, and much greenery in the landscape; at this time the air is clear and largely free from dust. From June to August Namibia cools down and dries out more; nights can become cold, dropping below freezing in some desert areas. As the landscape dries so the game in the north of the country gravitates more to waterholes, and is more easily seen by visitors. By September and October it warms up again; game-viewing in most areas is at its best, although there's often a lot of dust around and the vegetation has lost its vibrancy.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
Road Conditions, Distance & Comfort: Namibia is a large country and you will be covering a lot of ground on this tour. As a result there will be a number of long drive days spent in the tour vehicle. Please note the road conditions vary from bitumen to rutted, bumpy and corrugated piste. If the unsurfaced roads have not been graded for a while it can be uncomfortable for some stretches if you aren’t used to travelling off-road. However, your Tour Leader will take the opportunity to stop for a leg-stretch whenever possible and you will be rewarded with some spectacular scenery!
Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety can be limited in the more remote areas we visit. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour.
Please note that when staying at designated campsites, you will be expected to put up and take down your tents. Due to the material required for the tents these can be quite heavy, however help will always be available if needed.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A £200 (or equivalent) deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10408 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.